Depression in an adolescent delinquent population
J. A. Chiles, M. L. Miller and G. B. Cox
One hundred and twenty adolescents aged 13, 14, and 15 were given a
structured psychiatric interview within 48 hours of their admission to a
correctional facility. The interview assessed demography, social and
delinquent history, family history, and drug and alcohol use and related
problems. The interview issued diagnoses based on the Research Diagnostic
Criteria. The adolescents were followed up with self-rated and
observer-rated instruments. Twenty-three percent of the population met
criteria for a major affective disorder. Observer blind ratings
significantly identified the depressed group at 15 days. Self-ratings of
depression did not separate the two groups. No pattern of antisocial or
"acting-out" behavior differentiated the depressed group, although the
depressed group did relate more of their problems to drug and alcohol
abuse. A depressed or alcoholic family member significantly predicted for
depression. Some possible unique cognitive aspects of depression in younger
adolescents are explored, and implications for further research with
delinquents are discussed.
